EastEnders icon Charlie Brooks ‘set for bombshell return’ ahead of ‘dramatic’ Christmas plot
EastEnders star Charlie Brooks is reportedly set to reprise her role as Janine Butcher and has already started filming scenes.
Janine Butcher played by Charlie Brooks was sentenced to five years in prison for perverting the course of justice(Image: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
Actress Charlie Brooks is set to reprise her role as Janine Butcher in EastEnders in a bombshell return, it has been claimed.
The BBC soap star, 45, who first joined the show back in 1999, has reportedly already started filming scenes for the upcoming episodes, which could also be linked to the Christmas Day special.
The last time viewers saw Janine, she was arrested in 2022 following the suspected drowning of her fifth husband Mick Carter, played by Danny Dyer.
Janine gave birth to his son behind bars, after she was convicted of perverting the course of justice by framing Linda Carter for the drink-driving crash.
Janine Butcher played by Charlie Brooks was sentenced to five years in prison for perverting the course of justice(Image: BBC/Jack Barnes)
Speaking of Charlie’s rumoured return, a source told The Sun: “Janine’s appearance is going to blow the roof off Albert Square.”
“The bosses have several huge stories planned for this autumn, which will all start building towards Christmas,” another insider added.
“Although Charlie is only reprising her role as Janine for a couple of episodes this time around, her involvement is bound to cause plenty of drama.
“The plans are being kept top secret as they are really keen fans don’t have the storylines spoilt for them. But no doubt they are going to love seeing Janine back to cause chaos.”
Last year Charlie hinted at a return to the BBC soap. In a previous interview, she teased: “I don’t think it’s closed forever, unless they don’t want me back, I’m always open to conversations about going back. Janine is always a fun character to play.
“It just always depends what else I’m doing. I’ve been doing a lot of theatre, which I’ve loved.”
Reflecting on her love for her character and the show during an appearance on Mark Wogan’s podcast, she said: “I love the people there.
“I’ve made some really good friends over the years and so, the beautiful thing about Janine is that you kind of always want to know what she’s up to so writers can really do anything and get away with it.”
Since her last departure from the show, Charlie has delved into the world of theatre playing the Child Catcher in Chitty Chitty Ban Bang. She also appeared on Dancing on Ice with her professional skating partner Eric Radford.
The Mirror has contacted Charlie Brooks and the BBC for a comment.
